Room electrical usage measurement arrangements for energy management systems and building environment information systems

ABSTRACT

A system and method for gathering room electrical usage measurement data and transmitting it to a network location. The system comprises a plurality of magnetic field current sensors for sensing AC current traveling through a wire of an AC power cable associated with the electrical system of a room in a building. Each magnetic field current sensor produces an analog electrical measurement which is converted to digital measurement data for transporting over a network. At least one network is used to transport the measurement data produced by the pluralities of sensors to an external receiving device. The network can be wired (for example a multiple access electrical bus) or wireless. Additional sensors, for example temperature sensors, can also be accommodated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/103,104, filed May 9, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated byreference, which claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisionalapplication No. 61/332,758, filed May 8, 2010, the contents of which areincorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK NOTICES

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may containmaterial, which is subject to copyright protection. Certain marksreferenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of theapplicant, the assignee or third parties affiliated or unaffiliated withthe applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is for providing anenabling disclosure by way of example and shall not be construed toexclusively limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter to materialassociated with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to energy management systems and buildingenvironment information systems for complex buildings and campuses, andmore specifically to the room environment sensing systems, buildingenvironment sensing systems, and use of modeling, analysis, andvisualization tools.

There has been increasing economic and environmental interest in “greenbuildings” and “green campuses.” The “green” concept has come to meanmany things and further is unfortunately increasingly becoming amarketing term, differentiating moniker, and political wedge conceptused to provoke division. Independent of these, however, are the factsthat reduction of energy use in buildings and the improvement of the airquality within the workplace and home have significant economic impacts.

New construction and “green” incentives provide an opportunity tointroduce new indigenous technologies to improve energy use efficiencyand occupant air quality. Some of these technologies, as well asadaptations of others of these technologies, can be applied to variousdegrees of introduction and use within existing buildings, particularlyif carefully designed with such purposes in mind.

There are many categories of technologies for reduction of energy use inbuildings and the improvement of the air quality within the workplaceand home. Some of these technologies comprise innovations in buildingmaterials and/or construction techniques, layouts, etc. Others of thesetechnologies comprise innovations in power distribution, aircirculation, heating, cooling, and filtering. Yet others of thesetechnologies comprise innovations in power generation, power management,energy harvesting, and energy storage/retrieval. Yet others of thesetechnologies comprise innovations in the energy efficiency of systemssuch as motors, computers, individual electronic components andsubsystems (integrated circuit chips, monitors, etc.). Yet others ofthese technologies comprise innovations in information systems forenergy-use and building-environment monitoring. Still yet others ofthese technologies comprise innovations in control systems for varioustypes of closed loop control. There are many other categories of suchtechnologies as well, with new ones and ideas being created nearlycontinuously world-wide.

Among the many other categories of such technologies include integratedcombinations of the above. For example, technologies forbuilding-environment monitoring and control systems for closed loopcontrol have long been combined in at least some form in HVAC systems.More sophisticated examples of integrated combinations are possible, ofcourse, and this is an important aspect and utility provided by thepresent invention.

Some major developing economies (in particular China) have significantportions of their national GDP tied to green technology. In the US, manycorporate forces resistant to change and their political defenderssquare off in conflict with corporate forces eager to at the very leastembrace this rapid growth market and eventual need that will be, ifnothing else, driven by the fact that high-populations in region such asAsia, South Asia, and later Africa will all be seeking quality-of-lifeand economic improvements that will otherwise demand simply unproducibleexpanding levels of energy use. The current standoff, whatever themerits, precludes many opportunities to develop leadership positions inthese rapidly emerging industries. Thus, a technology approach that doesnot rely on a prevailing of one side over another in the presentnational economy provides a basis for developing leadership positions inthese rapidly emerging industries. There are various ways this can bedone, some of which are brought forward in other motivating contextsnext.

A significant portion of the resistance to “green technologies” ingeneral has to do with resistance to regulation and, to some extent, theprovision of government subsidies. Thus, a technology approach that doesnot rely on regulation or government subsidies provides a basis fordeveloping leadership positions in these rapidly emerging industries.

In the non-elective trial deployments of “smart meters” by utilitycompanies there has been a wide range of reasons for resistance spanningconcerns of surveillance, billing exploitation, risks of electromagneticradiation, forced remotely-controlled power cuts, etc. Thus, atechnology approach that does not rely on non-elective deployment orinvolvement with a utility company provides a basis for developingleadership positions in these rapidly emerging industries.

The present invention address the aforementioned forces and concernswith an entirely elective, entirely private, incrementally deployed,incrementally modifiable, relatively inexpensive building informationsystem that provides for a range of energy and environmentalcapabilities including

-   -   Room environment sensing arrangements,    -   Building environment sensing arrangements,    -   Statistical processing software,    -   Modeling software,    -   Analysis software,    -   Visualization software,    -   Data logging arrangements,    -   Data storage and recall arrangements,    -   Control arrangements,    -   Interfacing arrangements with existing building systems (HVAC,        solar, valves, power systems, etc.).    -   Interfacing arrangements with external information systems and        networks.

The invention provides for an open architecture facilitating theincremental introduction, expansion, conversion, replacement, andinterfacing of the various component hardware and/or software systemsand methods.

The invention can be used in various ways, either as dedicated to one ormore specific purpose(s) or evolving incrementally through a sequence ofdevelopmental and/or application stages over a period of time. Examplepurposes and stages include:

-   -   Trial deployment of various sensors, networks, systems, and        software    -   Early exploratory information gathering    -   Focused specific-purpose information gathering    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing energy usage    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing energy loss and/or waste    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on energy usage,        loss and/or waste    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on energy        usage, loss and/or waste,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing air temperature        distributions,    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on air temperature        distributions,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on air        temperature distributions,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing air quality (humidity,        impurities, oxygen, carbon dioxide),    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on air quality,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on air        quality,    -   Modeling of impacts of potential changes to building and        facilities,    -   Modeling of impacts of potential changes to policy and operating        procedure,    -   Simulation of impacts of potential changes to building and        facilities.    -   Simulation of impacts of potential changes to policy and        operating procedure changes,    -   Decision support for potential changes to building and        facilities.    -   Decision support for potential changes to policy and operating        procedure changes,    -   Design of optimal control policies for building air system        operation,    -   Design of optimal control policies for building energy system        operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not all such advantages may be achievedin accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosedsubject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achievesor optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving alladvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

The present invention comprises various forms building informationsystems for complex buildings and campuses that involve one or more of:

-   -   Room environment sensing arrangements,    -   Building environment sensing arrangements,    -   Modeling software,    -   Analysis software,    -   Visualization software,    -   Data logging arrangements,    -   Data storage and recall arrangements,    -   Control arrangements,    -   Interfacing arrangements with existing building systems (HVAC,        solar, valves, power systems, etc.).    -   Interfacing arrangements with external information systems and        networks.

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of room environment sensing arrangements.

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of building environment sensingarrangements.

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of modeling software.

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of analysis software.

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of visualization software,

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of data logging arrangements,

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of data storage and recall arrangements.

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of control arrangements

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of interfacing arrangements with existingbuilding systems (HVAC, solar, valves, power systems, etc.).

In an implementation, the invention comprises an open architectureproviding, for example, for incremental introduction, expansion,conversion, and replacement of interfacing arrangements with externalinformation systems and networks.

In an implementation, the invention can be used in various ways, eitheras dedicated to one or more specific purpose(s) or evolvingincrementally through a sequence of developmental and/or applicationstages over a period of time.

In an implementation, the aforementioned purposes and stages can includeone or more of:

-   -   Trial deployment of various sensors, networks, systems, and        software    -   Early exploratory information gathering,    -   Focused specific-purpose information gathering,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing energy usage,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing energy loss and/or waste,    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on energy usage,        loss and/or waste,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on energy        usage, loss and/or waste,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing air temperature        distributions,    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on air temperature        distributions,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on air        temperature distributions,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing air quality (humidity,        impurities, oxygen, carbon dioxide),    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on air quality,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on air        quality,    -   Modeling of impacts of potential changes to building and        facilities,    -   Modeling of impacts of potential changes to policy and operating        procedure,    -   Simulation of impacts of potential changes to building and        facilities.    -   Simulation of impacts of potential changes to policy and        operating procedure changes,    -   Decision support for potential changes to building and        facilities.    -   Decision support for potential changes to policy and operating        procedure changes.

In an implementation, the invention provides a building informationsystem and method, these comprising elements and steps relating to:

-   -   At least a first plurality of sensors distributed within the        interior of a building;    -   At least a second plurality of sensors on the exterior of the        building;    -   At least one network for transporting measurement data produced        by at least by the first and second pluralities of sensors;    -   Data receiving software;    -   At least one statistical processing software system;    -   At least one analysis software system;    -   At least one software model;    -   At least one decision support software system;    -   At least one database; and    -   At least one information visualization system;        wherein measurement data produced by at least by the first and        second pluralities of sensors are transported over the network        to the data receiving software, wherein the data receiving        software provides information to at least one of the statistical        processing software system, the analysis software system, the        software model, the decision support software system, and the        database, and wherein at least one of the statistical processing        software system, the analysis software system, the software        model, the decision support software system, and the database        provide information to the information visualization system.

In an implementation, the invention includes a simulation system.

In an implementation, the decision support software system is a multiplecriterion decision support system.

In an implementation, at least one of the statistical processingsoftware, the analysis software, the software model, the decisionsupport software provides information to the database.

In an implementation, at least one of the statistical processingsoftware, the analysis software, the software model, the decisionsupport software is provided information from the database.

In an implementation, the information visualization system displaysinformation from at least two of the statistical processing software,the analysis software, the software model, the decision supportsoftware.

In an implementation, the first plurality of sensors includes sensorsfor the measurement of electrical power usage in a room.

In an implementation, the first plurality of sensors includes sensorsfor the measurement of the temperature in at least one part of a room.

In an implementation, the second plurality of sensors includes sensorsfor the measurement of the heat flux flowing between the interior of thebuilding and the environment outside of the building.

In an implementation, the second plurality of sensors includes sensorsfor the measurement of the temperature of at least one location on theexterior of the building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon consideration of the followingdescription of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing figures.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary information system as provided for by theinvention.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary approach to room electrical usagemeasurement as provided for by the invention employing a plurality ofexemplary magnetic filed current sensors and an exemplary multi-tapelectrical bus.

FIGS. 3 a-3 c depict exemplary air temperature sensor arrangement asprovided for by the invention.

FIG. 4 a depicts an exemplary passive vent.

FIG. 4 b depicts an exemplary remote-controlled vent.

FIG. 4 c depicts an exemplary intelligent vent.

FIG. 4 d depicts an exemplary arrangement of how a series of pairs ofair flow sensors and ADC chips are connected to an electrical bus asprovided for by the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary integrated room measurement bus to whichvarious types of sensors and ADC chips are connected as provided for bythe invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary inter-room wiring where an electrical bus isplaced in the walls as provided for by the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary arrangement wherein surface temperaturesensors are placed on the exterior of a building for building surfacemeasurement as provided for by the invention.

FIG. 8 a depicts a cross-section view of a part of wall that iscomprised of outside wall, inside wall, and insulation layer in betweenwherein one or more temperature sensors are placed in the gap betweenthe insulation layer and inside wall.

FIG. 8 b depicts an exemplary multi-tap electrical bus arrangement forconnecting a plurality of temperature sensors in an arrangement such asthat depicted in FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary arrangement for external environmentmeasurements.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary display and operations console as providedfor by the invention.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary arrangement and data flow amongMulti-Criteria Decision Support tools, optimal control prototyping,modeling tools, and data analysis as provided for by the invention.

FIG. 12 depicts an example sequence of implementations evolvingincrementally through a sequence of developmental and/or applicationstages over a period of time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough description of various embodiments. Certain embodiments may bepracticed without these specific details or with some variations indetail. In some instances, certain features are described in less detailso as not to obscure other aspects. The level of detail associated witheach of the elements or features should not be construed to qualify thenovelty or importance of one feature over the others.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way ofillustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to beunderstood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field thatother embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as wellas procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

Those of ordinary skill in this technological field will understand thatother embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as wellas procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similarparts.

The present invention provides and/or utilizes energy usage data,internal environment monitoring data, building energy monitoring data,and in some embodiments, external environment monitoring data.

Energy Monitoring

Energy usage monitoring data relevant to the invention can comprise livemeasurements comprising at least one or more of:

-   -   Electrical usage at electrical outlets,    -   Electrical usage from lighting,    -   Heating/cooling energy usage.

Building energy monitoring data relevant to the invention can compriselive measurements comprising at least one or more of:

-   -   HVAC power use,    -   Overall electrical power use,    -   Natural gas usage,    -   Building internal or accessible local stores of energy, fuel,        etc.

Internal Environment Monitoring

Internal environment monitoring data relevant to the invention cancomprise live measurements comprising at least one or more of:

-   -   Room temperature gradients at walls,    -   Other air measurements: air humidity, composition, particulates,    -   Wall/insulation temperature,    -   Heat flux in/out of building.

External Environment Monitoring

External environment monitoring data relevant to the invention cancomprise live measurements comprising at least one or more of:

-   -   Outside ambient air temperature    -   Outside wall/window temperature    -   Outside wind data, humidity data

Information System, Data Handling, and Data Processing

For the aforedescribed data, and in some embodiments other data, thepresent invention provides an information system comprising one of moreof data analysis, modeling, simulation, information display, informationvisualization, decision-support, and policy research tools. FIG. 1depicts an example information system embodiment as provided for by theinvention. Such an example information system embodiment can, forexample, comprise:

-   -   Data receiving software,    -   Statistical processing,    -   Data storage and retrieval,    -   Modeling,    -   Simulation,    -   Analysis,    -   Decision support    -   Information display:        -   Real-time measurement data,        -   Statistically processed data and/or information,        -   Retrieved historical data and/or information,        -   Results of variable-policy control systems,        -   Results of variable-policy multi-criteria decision support            systems.

In an embodiment, the functionality of an information system as providedfor by the invention provides one or more of:

-   -   Statistical processing,    -   Information presentation,    -   Modeling,    -   Analysis,    -   Simulation,    -   Visualization        of energy usage information and/or indoor environment        information.        Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality of an        information system as provided for by the invention provides one        or more of building, facilities, and/or policy analysis        including:    -   Real-time monitoring,    -   Data set storage, search, and retrieval,    -   Data analysis,    -   Modeling/simulation,    -   Analysis,    -   Optimal control prototyping,    -   Multi-criteria decision support,    -   Information visualization.

Real-Time Sensing and Gathering of Measurement Data

The invention provides for the gathering real-time measurement data ofvarious types of building internal from various building internalsources. The various types of building internal measurement data caninclude:

-   -   Rooms and open areas within buildings:        -   Air temperature sensors (sparse arrays on wall and pillars),        -   Air flow from vents,        -   Lighting power use,        -   Outlet power use.    -   Building itself:        -   HVAC power use,        -   Outside ambient air temperature,        -   Outside wall/window temperature,        -   Wall/insulation temperature,        -   Outside wind data, humidity data.

In an embodiment, the invention gathers information from more than onebuilding. In an embodiment, the invention gathers measurement data froma campus comprising a plurality of buildings. In an embodiment, theinvention gathers measurement data from a plurality of campuses, eachcampus comprising a plurality of buildings.

Room Electrical Usage Measurement

In an embodiment, the invention gathers room electrical usagemeasurement data and provides it to the information system. This roomelectrical usage measurement data can comprise:

-   -   Lighting power use,    -   Outlet power use.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary approach to room electrical usagemeasurement as provided for by the invention employing a plurality ofexemplary magnetic filed current sensors and an exemplary multi-tapelectrical bus. In an embodiment, monitoring of local current (forexample, positioned around an “AC hotwire”) in room electrical boxes isemployed. The monitoring can be implemented in many ways as is known toone skilled in the art, for example:

-   -   Rogowski coil (see for example        http://en.wikipedia.orgiwiki/Rogowski_coil or better reference)        AC current sensor,    -   Hall effect current sensor (various products),    -   Other types of coil arrangements.

Each of these produce analog voltages which can be turned to a digitalvalue by an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) chip. Further, such ADCchips are available with electrical bus interfaces compatible withmulti-tap electrical bus architectures. Three examples of multi-tapelectrical bus architectures with a wide range of commercially availablechip-level products are I²C bus, SPI, and the (Dallas) “1-wire” bus,although the invention is not limited to these. In these and othermulti-tap electrical bus architectures, one node, typically comprisingan embedded controller or microprocessor, is designated a “master node”which typically is arranged to orchestrate communications on the bus andprovides timing/clock information. Other considerations, such asdistributions of pull-up resistors, wire length, terminations at eitherend of the bus, limitations on fan-out topologies, etc. that arewell-known to those skilled in the art and which can be incorporatedinto embodiments of the invention.

These ADC chips with such bus interfaces can be set with a unique busaddresses so that each ADC can be uniquely accessed. Many ADC chipsprovide multiple analog input channels, allowing for interfacing tomultiple sensors. This can be advantageous in some room AC wiringsituations. In other room AC wiring situations, an ADC chip provided foreach current sensor can turns out to be an advantageous architecture.Using approaches such as these, in an embodiment, the invention providesfor a plurality of current sensors to interface to a multi-tapelectrical bus.

In an embodiment, the invention provides for the plurality of currentsensors to be powered by the same multi-tap electrical bus without theuse of additional powering wires. It is possible to power the ADC chipsfrom the bias or full-wave rectified versions of electrical signals onthe bus. In such situations, it is possible for the master node or oneor more power injection nodes (typically a power-supply with pull-upresistors) to supply power to bus so as to permit a plurality of chipsand/or circuits on the bus to “self-power” by harvesting electricalpower from the electrical signals on the bus.

Some ADC chips include chip-internal powering derived from theelectrical signals on the bus. Other ADC chips that do not includechip-internal powering derived from the electrical signals on the buscan be outfitted with external circuitry and/or other provisions topower the ADC chip from the electrical signals on the bus. The coilcurrent sensors are passive devices that do not require powering, so inthe room electrical usage measurement arrangements described aboveemploying those only the ADC requires powering. In contrast, Hall effectsensors are active devices that require powering. As with the ADC chips,it is possible to power a Hall effect sensor from the electrical signalson the multi-tap electrical bus employing similar or identical means.

FIG. 2, in more detail, depicts an exemplary arrangement wherein ACcurrent measurements for at least one lighting switch and at least oneoutlet are configured to interface with a multi-tap electrical bus. Thearrangement depicted in FIG. 2 can be further configured so as to powerthe measurement circuitry by the same multi-tap electrical bus. In anembodiment, the multi-tap electrical bus can be of the same type as thatused in one or more of the other types of measurements. In anembodiment, the multi-tap electrical bus can be the same instance asthat used in one or more of the other types of measurements.

In an embodiment, the current sensors, electronics, and multi-tapelectrical bus wiring are configured in electrically insulatingpackaging arrangements so that they are significantly electricallyinsulated and electrically isolated from accidental short circuits orother contact with dangerous AC currents. In an embodiment, the currentsensors, electronics, and multi-tap electrical bus wiring are configuredin shielded packaging arrangements so that they are significantlyelectromagnetically isolated from RFI and other electromagneticinterference created by the measured currents and/or other AC wiring.

In an embodiment, the aforedescribed multi-tap electrical bus can bereplaced by a multiple-access wireless network and/or cabled Ethernet™.

Room Air Temperature Measurement

In an embodiment the invention provides for air temperature measurementsto be made in a room so as to provide measurement data to theinformation system. In an embodiment, the invention comprises aplurality of air temperature sensors configured in sparse arrays onwalls, pillars, and/or other structures. FIGS. 3 a-3 c depict exemplaryair temperature sensors arrangements as provided for by the invention.FIG. 3 a depicts an exemplary array of temperature sensors distributedon a room wall. FIG. 3 b depicts an exemplary array of temperaturesensors distributed on a supporting pillar, beam, or other structure(including artistic structures) in a room or open building interiorarea. The exemplary arrangements depicted provide for measurements ofair temperature at various vertical and horizontal locations. In someembodiments, some of the spatial sensing capability is not provided. Insome embodiments, other sensor location arrangements, for example onfurniture, ceilings, on appendages, nettings, etc., attached to ceilingsand/or walls, etc. can be employed to provide locations for temperaturesensors.

In an embodiment, spatially distributed air temperature sensors, such asin the aforedescribed arrangements, can be connected to a multi-tapelectrical bus in a similar manner as was described above in regards toroom electrical usage measurements. It is noted that temperature sensorchips are commercially available which interface to tapped electricalbus architectures such as I²C bus, SPI, and the (Dallas) “1-wire” bus,although the invention is not limited to these. These temperature sensorchips can be set with a unique bus addresses so that each temperaturesensor chip can be uniquely accessed. It is also noted that some ADCchips which interface to tapped electrical bus architectures additionalinclude a temperature sensors—in some embodiments this can beadvantageously utilized. Further, similar arrangements can be made forpowering temperature sensors and any associated electrical circuitryfrom electrical signals on the tapped electrical bus.

FIG. 3 c depicts an exemplary arrangement wherein room air temperaturemeasurements are configured to interface with a multi-tap electricalbus. The arrangement depicted in FIG. 3 c can be further configured soas to power the measurement circuitry by the same multi-tap electricalbus. In an embodiment, the multi-tap electrical bus can be of the sametype as that used in one or more of the other types of measurements. Inan embodiment, the multi-tap electrical bus can be the same instance asthat used in one or more of the other types of measurements.

In an embodiment, the aforedescribed multi-tap electrical bus can bereplaced by a multiple-access wireless network and/or cabled Ethernet™.

The invention also provides for other means of temperature sensing, forexample infrared imaging technologies.

Air Flow Measurement

In an embodiment the invention provides for air flow measurements to bemade in a room so as to provide measurement data to the informationsystem. In an embodiment, such an air flow measurement can be made byemploying an air flow sensor in the area inside or just outside an airvent. In an embodiment, an air flow sensor can comprise a pivoting vanewhose position is changed by the volume of air flow impounding forceovercoming the force of gravity. In an embodiment, an air flow sensorcan comprise an anemometer. The invention also provides for other typesof air flow sensors to be used.

In an embodiment the invention provides for air temperature measurementsof air flow so as to provide measurement data to the information system.In an embodiment, such an air temperature measurement can be made byemploying an air temperature sensor in the area inside or just outsidean air vent. Air temperature sensors can be implemented and networked invarious ways, for example as described in the preceding section. In anembodiment, the multi-tap electrical bus can be of the same type as thatused in one or more of the other types of measurements. In anembodiment, the multi-tap electrical bus can be the same instance asthat used in one or more of the other types of measurements.

The invention anticipates that a room can be provided with one or moreairvents, and that these air vents can be of a variety of types. Forexample, FIG. 4 a depicts an exemplary passive air vent, while FIG. 4 bdepicts an exemplary remote-controlled air vent. The remote controlfeature can be controlled directly by the present invention, indirectlyby the present invention, by the building HVAC system, etc. FIG. 4 cdepicts an exemplary intelligent vent which, for example, can beactivated by a motion detector, heat sensor, temperature sensor, etc.,local to the vent.

FIG. 4 d depicts an exemplary arrangement of how a series of pairs ofair flow sensors and ADC chips are connected to a multi-tap electricalbus as provided for by the invention. In an embodiment, the multi-tapelectrical bus can be of the same type as that used in one or more ofthe other types of measurements. In an embodiment, the multi-tapelectrical bus can be the same instance as that used in one or more ofthe other types of measurements.

In an embodiment, the aforedescribed multi-tap electrical bus can bereplaced by a multiple-access wireless network and/or cabled Ethernet™.

Air Quality Monitoring

In a similar fashion, the invention provides for the use and measurementinformation networking of air quality sensors and systems. These caninclude:

-   -   Humidity measurement sensors,    -   Oxygen measurement sensors,    -   Carbon dioxide measurement sensors,    -   Pollen, dust, and/or particulate measurement sensors    -   Measurement sensors for other or specific types of chemicals        and/or impurities.

More Complex Networking Arrangements

The invention provides for combining the various multi-tap electricalbus arrangements described earlier in various combinations. For example,FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary integrated room measurement bus to whichvarious types of sensors and ADC chips are connected as provided for bythe invention.

The invention provides for the various multi-tap electrical busarrangements described earlier to be extended to span a plurality ofrooms and/or other areas. For example, FIG. 6 depicts an exemplaryinter-room wiring where an electrical bus is placed in the walls asprovided for by the invention.

It is noted that the Dallas “1-Wire” bus does not provide the higherdata rates of the I²C and SPI buses, but the “1-Wire” is relativelyinexpensive, uses one fewer wire, and has longer range, all of whichmakes it ideal for use in extended reach configurations such as thatdepicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In an embodiment, the aforedescribed multi-tap electrical bus can bereplaced and/or supplemented by one or more multiple-access wirelessnetwork(s).

Building Wall Sensor Arrangements

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary arrangement wherein surface temperaturesensors are placed on the exterior of a building for building surfacemeasurement as provided for by the invention. The invention provides forother sensors in such positions as well as can be advantageous.Networking can be provided by multi-tap electrical buses and/or one ormore multiple-access wireless network(s).

FIG. 8 a depicts a cross-section view of a part of wall that iscomprised of outside wall, inside wall, and insulation layer in betweenwherein one or more temperature sensors are placed in the gap betweenthe insulation layer and inside wall. The arrows indicate exemplarypossible seasonal directions of heat flux.

FIG. 8 b depicts an exemplary multi-tap electrical bus arrangement forconnecting a plurality of temperature sensors in an arrangement such asthat depicted in FIG. 8 a. In an embodiment, the aforedescribedmulti-tap electrical bus can be replaced and/or supplemented by one ormore multiple-access wireless network(s) and/or cabled Ethernet™.

External Environment Sensors

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary roof region arrangement for externalenvironment measurements for providing measurement data to theinformation system. In an embodiment, the invention includes data feedsfrom one or more electronic meteorological instruments attached to, orin the immediate vicinity of the building(s). Exemplary electronicmeteorological instruments can include:

-   -   Thermometer,    -   Barometer,    -   Hygrometer,    -   Anemometer,    -   Wind Vane,    -   Wind Profiler.

Additionally, the roof region or other advantageous regions can beoutfitted with spatially-distributed sensors for measuring heat-flux inor out of the building, local surface temperature, surface moisture,accumulated standing water, accumulated dust/dirt, reflected light, etc.

The sensors can be networked with the same, difference, or alternatenetworking arrangements, including one or more of multi-tap electricalbus arrangements, wireless networking and/or cabled Ethernet™.

Statistical Processing, Analysis, Modeling Simulation, and DecisionSupport

The invention provides for the inclusion of one or more of statisticalprocessing software, analysis software, modeling software, simulationsoftware, and Decision Support software. In general, the inventionprovides for implementations to permit as advantageous information flowsand exchanges among any two or more of:

-   -   Real-time measurement data,    -   Stored measurement data,    -   Statistical processing software,    -   Analysis software,    -   Modeling software,    -   Simulation software,    -   Decision support software,    -   External systems (including building systems),    -   System-internal databases,    -   Building-internal databases,    -   Campus databases,    -   Cloud-based databases,    -   Outside networks.

FIG. 10 depicts an example of a display and operations console asprovided for by the invention. This example of a display and operationsconsole will be considered in more detail in a later section. FIG. 11depicts one of a wide range of example arrangements and data flows amongMulti-Criteria decision support tools, modeling tools, optimal controlprototyping tool(s), and policy analysis tool(s) as provided for by theinvention. As mentioned above, statistical processing, analysis, and/orsimulation tools (not shown in FIG. 11) can be provided.

Models can comprise one or more of:

-   -   Statistically-determined empirical models,    -   Abstract analytical models.    -   Other forms and/or types of models.    -   Some implementations can permit two or more such systems to work        together or parallel, series, iterative arrangements, and/or as        part of a large arrangement. Models can comprise one or more of:    -   Air flow models,    -   Energy usage models,    -   Energy systems models,    -   Heat-transport models,    -   Heat-flux propagation models,    -   Air quality models,    -   Human health models,    -   Other forms and/or types of models.

Some implementations can permit two or more such systems to worktogether or parallel, series, iterative arrangements, and/or as part ofa large arrangement.

Decision support tools can comprise one or more of:

-   -   Statistical hypothesis testing,    -   Utility-function calculation,    -   Utility-function and/or performance-metric optimization,    -   Multi-Criteria Decision Support (MCDS) tools    -   Other forms and/or types of Decision support tools.        Some implementations can permit two or more such systems to work        together or parallel, series, iterative arrangements, and/or as        part of a large arrangement.

In the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 11, one or more of live data,stored past data, can be presented to one or more of Multi-CriteriaDecision Support tool(s), modeling tool(s), optimal control prototypingtool(s). In an embodiment, one or more of live data, stored data,Multi-Criteria Decision Support tool output, model tool output, andoptical control output can be presented to data analysis tools (notshown in FIG. 11). In the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 11, one or moreof the Multi-Criteria Decision Support tool(s), model tool(s), andoptical control tool(s) exchange outputs to serve as input information.In the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 11, one or more optimizationpolicies are provided to the optimal control tool(s) under the controlof an interactive graphical user interface. In the exemplary arrangementof FIG. 11, one or more decision policies are provided to theMulti-Criteria Decision Support tool(s) under the control of aninteractive graphical user interface. In the exemplary arrangement ofFIG. 11, the output from the Multi-Criteria Decision Support tool(s) aredirected to a policy analysis tool under the control of an interactivegraphical user interface. Many other variations in configuration,constituent elements, and data flows are possible as is now clear to oneskilled in the art and are accordingly provided for by the invention.

Although not showed in FIG. 11, the invention provides for storage andrecall of the output of one or more of statistical processing software,modeling software, analysis software, simulation software, anddecision-support software. These stored outputs can be searched,selectively retrieved, reviewed, presented, combined or compared withone another, live or past measurement data, and/our other output fromone or more of statistical processing software, modeling software,analysis software, simulation software, and decision-support software.The aforementioned present, combine, and compare operations can includeinformation visualization (for example as described below) and/orfurther processing by one or more of statistical processing software,modeling software, analysis software, simulation software, anddecision-support software.

Display and Operations Console

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary display and operations console as providedfor by the invention. In an embodiment, the display and operationsconsole can provide one or more of (although not limited to):

-   -   Visualizations (simple and/or complex) of:        -   Real-time measurement data,        -   Past measurement data,        -   Analysis tool(s) and results,    -   Optimal control suggestion tool(s) (for suggesting one or more        operation strategies—optimized with respect to a provided        policy—which can be analyzed for value and performance,    -   Multi-Criteria Decision Support (MCDS) tool(s) and results,    -   Policy research tool(s),    -   Mock-up operations GUI (for analysis, training, etc.),    -   Actual operations GUI (for information system and/or building        system operation),    -   Warnings to indicate trends or conditions of concern,    -   Alarms to indicate conditions or trends of special concern.

It is to be understood that there are a wide range of possibleimplementations for a display and operations console or its equivalent.Accordingly, the example exemplary display and operations console ismerely an example an by no means limiting.

As an example alternative, the display and operations console can berendered as windows in a web-hosted application accessible over an IPnetwork. The IP network can be an internal network, a dedicated network,a VPN, or the internet.

Information Visualization

Information visualization providing various levels of complexityprovides important tools to building operators, building systemdesigners, and researchers. In an embodiment, the invention provides forinformation visualization capabilities to be implemented in the Displayand Operations Console.

In an embodiment, the invention provides for information visualizationcapabilities to be implemented and/or provided via internet (web)access.

In an embodiment, combinations of collected data from different type ofsensors can be combined and/or presented by information visualizationtools into meaningful representations readily understandable and usableby operators, researchers, designers, and decision makers.

In an embodiment, combinations of collected data from different type ofinformation sources (for example, one or more of sensors, statisticalsoftware, analysis software, modeling software, simulation software,decision support software, databases, information feeds, interfaces withbuilding systems, information with external weather information systems,etc.) can be combined and/or presented by information visualizationtools into meaningful representations readily understandable and usableby operators, researchers, designers, and decision makers.

In an implementation, information visualization can comprise plots ofreal-time measurement data. In an implementation, informationvisualization can comprise plots of statistically processed information.In an implementation, information visualization can comprise plots ofanalysis information. In an implementation, information visualizationcan comprise plots of model information. In an implementation,information visualization can comprise plots of simulation information.In an implementation, information visualization can comprise plots ofdecision support information.

In an implementation, information visualization can comprise one or moremulti-color plots. In an implementation, information visualization cancomprise one or more 2D plots. In an implementation, informationvisualization can comprise one or more 3D plots.

More broadly, information visualization capabilities provided for by theinvention can comprise one or more of (but is not limited to):

-   -   Simple data graphs,    -   Simple 3D information visualization renderings of surfaces,        scatter plots, etc.,    -   Complex 3D information visualization renderings of surfaces,        transparent volumes, etc.,    -   Composites of two or more 2D and/or 3D information visualization        renderings,    -   Dense information representations,    -   Overlays of information from multiple data sources such as (but        not limited to):        -   Live information visualization,        -   Past information visualization,        -   Model visualization,        -   Analysis visualization        -   Decision support visualization.

In an embodiment, the invention provides for information visualizationsof a particular information set to be interactive, for example including(but not limited to) viewpoint changes, zoom features, color changes,information exclusions, scale changes, etc.

Incremental Deployment and Evolution

The present invention address the aforementioned forces and concernswith an entirely elective, entirely private, incrementally deployed,incrementally modifiable, relatively inexpensive building informationsystem that provides for a range of energy and environmentalcapabilities including

-   -   Room environment sensing arrangements,    -   Building environment sensing arrangements,    -   Statistical processing software,    -   Modeling software,    -   Analysis software,    -   Visualization software,    -   Data logging arrangements,    -   Data storage and recall arrangements,    -   Control arrangements,    -   Interfacing arrangements with existing building systems (HVAC,        solar, valves, power systems, etc.).    -   Interfacing arrangements with external information systems and        networks.

The invention provides for an open architecture facilitating theincremental introduction, expansion, conversion, replacement, andinterfacing of the various component hardware and/or software systemsand methods.

The invention can be used in various ways, either as dedicated to one ormore specific purpose(s) or evolving incrementally through a sequence ofdevelopmental and/or application stages over a period of time. Examplepurposes and stages include:

-   -   Trial deployment of various sensors, networks, systems, and        software    -   Early exploratory information gathering    -   Focused specific-purpose information gathering    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing energy usage    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing energy loss and/or waste    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on energy usage,        loss and/or waste    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on energy        usage, loss and/or waste,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing air temperature        distributions,    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on air temperature        distributions,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on air        temperature distributions,    -   Analysis of current, past, or ongoing air quality (humidity,        impurities, oxygen, carbon dioxide),    -   Analysis of building and facilities changes on air quality,    -   Analysis of policy and operating procedure changes on air        quality,    -   Modeling of impacts of potential changes to building and        facilities,    -   Modeling of impacts of potential changes to policy and operating        procedure,    -   Simulation of impacts of potential changes to building and        facilities.    -   Simulation of impacts of potential changes to policy and        operating procedure changes,    -   Decision support for potential changes to building and        facilities,    -   Decision support for potential changes to policy and operating        procedure changes    -   Design of optimal control policies for building air system        operation,    -   Design of optimal control policies for building energy system        operation.        FIG. 12 depicts an example sequence of implementations evolving        incrementally through a sequence of developmental and/or        application stages over a period of time.

The aforementioned, as well as other variations, can be implemented asan algorithm on a digital computer, embedded processor, signalprocessor, or combination of two or more of these.

The terms “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “embodiment”,“embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or moreembodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean one or more(but not all) embodiments unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of theitems are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

While the invention has been described in detail with reference todisclosed embodiments, various modifications within the scope of theinvention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in thistechnological field. It is to be appreciated that features describedwith respect to one embodiment typically can be applied to otherembodiments.

The invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Although exemplary embodiments have been provided in detail, variouschanges, substitutions and alternations could be made thereto withoutdeparting from spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter asdefined by the appended claims. Variations described for the embodimentsmay be realized in any combination desirable for each particularapplication. Thus particular limitations and embodiment enhancementsdescribed herein, which may have particular advantages to a particularapplication, need not be used for all applications. Also, not alllimitations need be implemented in methods, systems, and apparatusesincluding one or more concepts described with relation to the providedembodiments. Therefore, the invention properly is to be construed withreference to the claims.

I claim:
 1. A system for gathering room electrical usage measurementdata, the system comprising: a plurality of magnetic field currentsensors for distribution within a building, the magnetic field currentsensors for sensing AC current traveling through a wire of an AC powercable associated with the electrical system of a room in a building,each magnetic field current sensor producing an analog electricalmeasurement; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting eachanalog electrical measurement into a corresponding digital valueresulting in measurement data representing the associated analogelectrical measurement; and at least one network for transporting themeasurement data to an external receiving device.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the external receiving device provides the measurementinformation to a system building information system.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the magnetic field current sensor comprises a Rogowskicoil.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field currentsensor comprises a Hall-effect current sensor.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the magnetic field current sensor comprises an arrangement otherthan a Rogowski coil.
 6. The system of claim 1, the system is formonitoring the electrical current flowing through an electrical outlet.7. The system of claim 1, the system is for monitoring the electricalcurrent flowing through lighting system.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the network comprises a multi-tap electrical bus.
 9. The systemof claim 1, wherein the network comprises a wireless network.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the network comprises a multiple accesswireless network.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the networkprovides power to at least the ADC.
 12. The system of claim 1, whereinthe ADC is associated with a plurality of magnetic field currentsensors.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the ADC is associated with asensor other than a magnetic field current sensor.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the ADC is further associated with a temperature sensorso as to provide temperature sensing data.
 15. A method for gatheringroom electrical usage measurement data, the method comprising: sensingAC current traveling through a wire of an AC power cable associated withan electrical system of a room in a building using a plurality ofmagnetic field current sensors distributed within the building, whereinthe sensing comprises producing analog electrical measurements;converting, using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), analogelectrical measurements into corresponding digital values resulting inmeasurement data representing the associated analog electricalmeasurements; and transporting the measurement data to an externalreceiving device using a network.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe external receiving device provides the measurement information to asystem building information system.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinthe network comprises a wireless network.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein the method is for monitoring the electrical current flowingthrough an electrical outlet.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein themethod is for monitoring the electrical current flowing through lightingsystem.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the ADC is furtherassociated with a temperature sensor so as to provide temperaturesensing data.